Tamborello_for_HP_Council_Member

The recent and unfortunate uncovering of the HPCL getting their hands caught in the cookie jar is a symbolic climax of the conflicted, unfair, good old boy government. It is deeply sad that the HPCL was running their campaign line into HP Town Hall, using Town Hall's mailing address, telephones, receptionist, and mail delivery services all on the taxpayer nickel. The Town Deputy Secretary admitted to accepting the HPCL's mail which is wrong. This has apparently been going on for years. Folks we are in voting season and this kind of conduct was going on inside Town Hall. The HPCL was caught and that is the simple fact and truth. For seasoned professional people to write and say that this was an "oversight", simply adds insult to injury to the intelligence of the residents of HP.

There are laws that prohibit this conduct, but it goes to show what extreme some Political Action Committee groups will go to to get their slate elected. First, I believe it is a violation of Texas Law for any municipality to contribute anything of value to any individual or group calling for the election of, defeat of, any person running for public office. All that matters in this situation is that public officials were involved for the benefit of the HPCL campaign. When a government employee is used for the purpose of the HPCL and it's campaign, there is an expenditure of public taxpayer funds. So please HPCL, stop insulting the intelligence of HP.

I would encourage the folks at the HPCL to read Article 1.07 Code of Ethics for the Town of Highland Park, Section 39 of the Texas Penal Code, The Texas Ethics Opinion No. 386, and the Texas Election Code - Section 61.003 (Loitering Near Polling Place Prohibited). The fact remains that the HPCL website used the telephone number to HP Town Hall, used town hall employees, equipment, and employee time. This served a purpose and their agenda until they were caught. It is a very good argument that their behavior has jeapordized the legitamacy of their slate and campaign.